Nehemiah 2:15 - Then went I up in the night by the brook, and inspected the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned.

Generated Verse: Nehemiah 2:15

What does "Nehemiah 2:15" mean?


This verse from Nehemiah 2:15 describes a key part of Nehemiah's reconnaissance mission to assess the damage to Jerusalem's walls before attempting to rebuild them. Let's break it down:

"Then went I up in the night by the brook..." Nehemiah went out at night, and his route led him near a brook. The darkness and the brook suggest he was trying to be discreet, avoiding being seen by potential enemies or those who might oppose his plans.

"...and inspected the wall..." This is the heart of the verse. Nehemiah carefully examined the condition of the broken-down walls. He was assessing the extent of the damage firsthand to understand the scope of the rebuilding task.

"...and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned." After inspecting a portion of the wall (likely the most accessible parts along the brook), Nehemiah turned around. He re-entered the city through the Valley Gate, which may have been a less guarded entrance or simply the most convenient return route from his inspection point. He then went back to wherever he was staying, concluding his initial night survey.

In summary, the verse signifies Nehemiah's secret, nocturnal assessment of Jerusalem's dilapidated walls. He was gathering vital information to plan the rebuilding project while minimizing the risk of opposition or premature exposure. It highlights his strategic thinking and cautious approach to a challenging task.

What categories does "Nehemiah 2:15" have?